Influence of Surface Modifications on the Spatiotemporal Microdistribution of Quantum Dots In Vivo. Issue 19 (29th March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nekolla, Katharina; Kick, Kerstin; Sellner, Sabine; Mildner, Karina; Zahler, Stefan; Zeuschner, Dagmar; Krombach, Fritz; Rehberg, Markus
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 12:Issue 19(2016)
• Page Start: 2641
• Page End: 2651
• Publication Date: 2016-03-29
• Subjects: endothelial cells -- extracellular matrix -- in vivo microscopy -- nanoparticles -- transcytosis; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.201600071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

Abstract : For biomedical applications of nanoconstructs, it is a general prerequisite to efficiently reach the desired target site. In this regard, it is crucial to determine the spatiotemporal distribution of nanomaterials at the microscopic tissue level. Therefore, the effect of different surface modifications on the distribution of microinjected quantum dots (QDs) in mouse skeletal muscle tissue has been investigated. In vivo real‐time fluorescence microscopy and particle tracking reveal that carboxyl QDs preferentially attach to components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), whereas QDs coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) show little interaction with tissue constituents. Transmission electron microscopy elucidates that carboxyl QDs adhere to collagen fibers as well as basement membranes, a type of ECM located on the basolateral side of blood vessel walls. Moreover, carboxyl QDs have been found in endothelial junctions as well as in caveolae of endothelial cells, enabling them to translocate into the vessel lumen. The in vivo QD distribution is confirmed by in vitro experiments. The data suggest that ECM components act as a selective barrier depending on QD surface modification. For future biomedical applications, such as targeting of blood vessel walls, the findings of this study offer design criteria for nanoconstructs that meet the requirements of the respective application. Abstract : Carboxyl quantum dots microinjected into muscle tissue attach to endothelial basement membranes, muscle fibers, and collagen fibers and are able to translocate into the blood vessel lumen. In contrast, quantum dots coated with polyethylene glycol show little interaction with tissue constituents. In conclusion, this study indicates that the choice of surface modification guides the distribution of quantum dots in the tissue.